Yamaha’s Cross Country range has just grown with the addition of the YZ125X to the line up. Juniors moving up to the senior ranks now have a blue option to cut their teeth on through the sometimes tough transition period. Lets look at the key features to the new YZ125X.

Smooth Power
The 2020 YZ125X gets its own power delivery that is smoother than the stock 125. Which as we know can be real light switches.
Power valve
The timing and duration of the power valve operation are optimized for off-road racing.

New cylinder head
The lower-compression head with a different combustion chamber shape makes the two-stroke more rideable.

CDI
Helping all those changes match up the CDI settings also help smooth out the power and widen the powerband.

Tyres
The 18 inch rear wheel makes tyre choice for off-road application far more interesting. Coming stock on the YZ125X are the AT81 Dunlop tyres.
KYB Suspension
Just like the MX 125, but softer. The KYB Speed-Sensitive System on the X receives off-road specific setting for bush riding.

Chassis
The longer rake and trail changes to the YZ125X should help stability at high speed. And as the bike is light it should be pretty good in the tight bush. The wheelbase slightly longer, possibly due to the 18inch rear wheel, also increasing stability at speed.
Seat Height
Slightly lower but not by enough that will really make a difference we don’t think.

Parking
The YZ125X comes with a handy side stand for ease of trail use.

Reserve
The YZ125X receives a reserve position on the petcock. Fuel Injection would be lovely, but as the Yamha is on the cheaper end that’s what you get. Though we have never had any issues with the 38mm Mikuni TMX carburetor.

Weight
The YZ125X comes in at 94kgs - only 1kg heavier than its MX brother.
Starting
It is kickstart only. That means that there is no need for a battery, starter or all the rest of it. I mean, you have to kick it but 125s aren’t exactly hard to start.
Ground Clearance
It is slightly less, but again only a few millimeters. Still - for off-road a little more would have been the way to go.

There was a 2020 YZ125X at the field days but it is unclear if that was a one-off for the event or if they will hit the market soon. Either way, it will be a great new addition to the Yamaha off-road stable. We can’t wait to take it for a ride.

2020 Yamaha YZ125X Specs

ENGINE

Type: Two-stroke single
Displacement: 125cc
Bore x stroke: 54.0 x 54.5mm
Compression ratio: 7.4:1 to 8.8:1
Fueling: 38mm Mikuni TMX carburetor
Intake: Reed valve
Port timing: Power valve
Lubrication: Premix

CHASSIS

Frame: Aluminum
Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable KYB Speed-Sensitive System inverted fork - 300mm travel
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted, fully adjustable KYB shock - 315mm travel
Tires: Dunlop Geomax AT81
Front tire: 90/90 x 21
Rear tire: 110/90 x 18
Front brake: 270mm disc
Rear brake: 245mm disc

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES